Travel Destinations Illinois Top Things to Do in Lake County, Illinois Lake County bridges the gap between Chicago's Cook County and the Wisconsin border with family attractions and nature trails. See our recommendations of what to do in the area. By Midwest Living editors Midwest Living editors Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 17, 2022 Courtesy of Illinois Office of Tourism Do Chicago Botanic Garden For an outdoor adventure, the nature trails at Glencoe's Chicago Botanic Garden makes up 385 acres of gardens and natural areas, including the Grunsfeld Children's Growing Garden. Volo Auto Museum Eleven miles west of Gurnee, gearheads appreciate the Volo Auto Museum, a sprawling complex housing one-of-a-kind autos, such as the Batmobile and historic pedal cars, plus various music machines, coin-operated kiddie rides, vignette theaters and a pizza parlor. Courtesy of Illinois Office of Tourism Tempel Farms Grab a ticket to see troupe of elegant white stallions shows off its ballet-like dressage moves at Tempel Farms in Old Mill Creek. Wildlife Discovery Center Animal keepers answer questions and share interesting tidbits about some of the facility's 85 reptiles and native animals at the Wildlife Discovery Center in Lake Forest. Courtesy of Illinois Office of Tourism Lambs Farm At Lambs Farm in Libertyville, people with developmental disabilities maintain a petting zoo with farm animals, plus an on-site café. End the visit to the Farmyard and attractions, including a carousel ride. Gurnee Mills It's retail therapy and more at Gurnee Mills with outlet stores and restaurants. At Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, native species-including some trophy fish from local anglers-attract mall shoppers at the giant aquarium inside. Families can play laser tag in the middle of the mall at Tilt Studio. Historic Downtown Long Grove Yesteryear comes alive in Historic Downtown Long Grove, where old-fashioned shops line cobblestone walkways. The village hosts popular family events that include Chocolate Fest and Strawberry Fest. Courtesy of Illinois Office of Tourism Six Flags Great America Daredevil roller coasters, such as the 12-story Joker, superfast Goliath and the Maxx Force live in Six Flags Great America in Gurnee. Hurricane Harbor Chicago Next door, families share a raft as they whoosh down water slides at Hurricane Harbor Chicago. Eat and Drink Beelow's Steakhouse Locally raised ingredients-straight from the family farm-are on the menu at Beelow's Steakhouse in Lake Zurich and Highland Park. Mickey Finn's Brewery In nearby Libertyville, Mickey Finn's Brewery serves pub food with craft ales and lagers while diners enjoy live music. The Chocolate Sanctuary Head north to Gurnee's The Chocolate Sanctuary for all things chocolate, including ribs covered in cocoa-infused barbecue sauce and cocoa-candied bacon. Illinois Beach State Park. Courtesy of Illinois Office of Tourism Stay Illinois Beach State Park Illinois Beach State Park, with more than 6 miles of sparkling Lake Michigan shoreline for swimming, sunning and hiking, encompasses the breezy Illinois Beach Resort in Zion. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort The recently renovated Lincolnshire Marriott Resort includes a spa, golf course, two pools and the acclaimed Marriott Theatre. Great Wolf Lodge Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee offers an indoor water park, ropes course, bowling alley and seven restaurants to keep the family happy. For more information: visitlakecounty.org Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit